Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"They are distressing to see an 85-year-old man in that condition."

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

To ecologists, their diminishing numbers, about 700,000 in 2019 compared with many millions before colonization, are distressing.

From New York Times • Apr. 4, 2023

Maxwell, of Rady Children’s Hospital, said that though the survey results are distressing, he also feels optimism that things can improve.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 30, 2022

They are distressing for optimists who hope for a better future and depressing for believers in shared liberal values of decency, human rights and tolerance.

From Washington Post • Feb. 18, 2019

Believe me they are as vain as they are distressing.

From Sybil, or the Two Nations by Disraeli, Benjamin, Earl of Beaconsfield